RV Thermostat Replacements & Upgrades

Your RV thermostat is a crucial component in maintaining your comfort in your RV, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Whether the ambient temperature is hot or cold, your RV thermostat is ready for climate control. But like everything else, RV thermostats have a lifespan, and at some point, you may find yourself with one that’s failed. Or, perhaps you want to upgrade the one you already have to take advantage of new or enhanced features.

In this post, we aim to prepare you for that possibility, so you’ll be ready if your RV’s thermostat needs to be replaced or upgraded, as these issues tend to occur at the most inopportune times.

So, let’s get to it!

What Is an RV Thermostat?

An RV thermostat controls the temperature in your RV by regulating your RV furnace and (in modern RVs) the air conditioner(s)/heat pump(s) as well. Just like at home, when you set the thermostat to a certain temperature, the furnace (or AC unit) responds by warming (or cooling) your RV accordingly.

How Do RV Thermostats Work?

An RV typically has one or more thermostats to control both the cooling and heating functions. Again, just like in a home, when you adjust the temperature on the thermostat, your heater or air conditioner will respond by heating or cooling the interior to the designated temperature.

Do You Need a Special Thermostat for an RV?

Generally speaking, yes, you need a special thermostat for an RV because its electrical components differ from those of home thermostats. The voltages are different, the wiring is different, and the electronics involved in the HVAC appliances are different. VERY capable DIYers can jury-rig a thermostat that’s meant to work in a sticks-and-bricks home so that it can handle your RV’s heating and cooling… but that’s beyond the scope of this article (and, likely, your abilities).

Thermostats need to be capable of working with both the heating and cooling systems in your RV.

When you buy a new thermostat for your RV, you’ll want to purchase one that’s specifically designed for RV use, and you’ll also want to ensure that it’s compatible with the HVAC equipment you already have installed. For instance, if you have Dometic air conditioners, you’ll need a thermostat that’s compatible with the control electronics installed in them. Typically, this means using or installing the same brand of thermostat as your air conditioner and/or furnace.

In many instances, air conditioners take precedent (and furnaces are less finicky). That’s because the circuitry in the air conditioner may be integral to the entire HVAC system, allowing it to switch from Heat Pump mode (where the air conditioner is running a reversed cooling cycle to extract warmth from the ambient outside air and blow it inside the RV) to running the furnace if outside temps drop too low.

Before purchasing a new or replacement thermostat, ensure it’s compatible with your existing HVAC appliances.

Are RV Thermostats Different?

RV thermostats are different in style, type, and features. You can choose an analog, digital, programmable, or even a smart thermostat for your RV.

RV Analog Thermostat

An analog RV thermostat is a basic and reliable choice, especially if you’re looking for one that’s most cost-effective. It will typically have a small slider that allows you to adjust the temperature settings. Analog thermostats generally don’t require electrical power to operate, which is another reason why they’re an excellent choice for many RVers.

This is a Dometic brand analog RV thermostat.

Digital RV Thermostat

With a digital RV thermostat, you’ll touch buttons to raise or lower the temperature settings, which will display as precise numbers. This allows you to choose an exact temperature for your heating or cooling. Digital thermostats require electrical power to operate their internal circuitry and to power their display panels. The required power is generally provided directly by the furnace wiring.

This Coleman-Mach thermostat is an example of a typical digital RV thermostat

Programmable RV Thermostat

A programmable RV thermostat allows you to pre-program the times when you want your settings to take effect. For example, if you want your furnace to kick on shortly before you return from skiing, you can program it to come on at that time and raise the temperature in your RV to your designated level. Likewise, if you want your air conditioning to cool your rig shortly before you return from a long summer hike, you can program it to kick on at a designated time and cool your RV to your desired temperature.

The Dometic CCC2 is an RV thermostat that includes the programmable feature, so you can set schedules for heating and cooling.

RV Smart Thermostat

An RV smart thermostat typically connects to the internet (over Wi-Fi or cellular — separate equipment and/or service plan may be required) to allow you to remotely adjust the heating and cooling temperature settings in your RV. This is typically achieved through the use of an app on your smart device.

The clear, bright, color touchscreen of the Micro-Air EasyTouch Smart RV Thermostat

Higher-end models will also enable you to integrate them with other “smart home” technologies, like Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple Home. Feeling a little chilly? Ask Google or Siri to raise the temperature!

What Voltage Are RV Thermostats?

RV thermostats typically operate on the same 12V DC power as all other DC devices (lights, water pump, vent fans, etc) on your RV. By contrast, a typical residential thermostat operates on 24V AC power.

Why Do I Have 2 Thermostats in My RV?

There can be several reasons why you have more than one thermostat in your RV (and that can vary by RV manufacturer and model):

1. Multiple Heating/Cooling Zones: One reason your RV may have multiple thermostats is to separately control a “zone” within your RV. The larger your RV is, the more likely it is to have separate heating/cooling areas. Front and back are the typical divisions, but it’s not uncommon to have even more. So each zone could have its own thermostat to both set and measure the temperature for that area.
2. Separate Heating & Air Conditioner Controls: Many RV manufacturers simplify their HVAC wiring by installing a dedicated thermostat for each function: one for heating and one for air conditioning. This can simplify the required wiring harness and/or make it easier for them to intermix brands and models of furnaces and air conditioners, without worrying about compatibility.
3. Any Combination of the Above: Your RV manufacturer could have designed the HVAC system using a combination of the above issues. Your RV may have separate heating/cooling zones with multiple thermostats to control them. AND they may have one thermostat that controls both the heat/cooling for one zone (many RVs have only a single furnace for the whole RV, so heating isn’t split into “zones”), while the other zone(s) have a single unit that controls the A/C for that area.

Do RV Thermostats Go Bad?

Yes! Just like any electrical or electronic device, they can malfunction for a variety of reasons, including wiring issues, dead batteries, or even dust. But a typical RV thermostat generally has a service life of around 10-15 years.

How Do I Know If My RV Thermostat is Bad?

There are several issues that may indicate a faulty thermostat in your RV. Let’s take a look at them individually.

Several issues may indicate your RV thermostat needs to be repaired or replaced.

Unresponsive Thermostat or Thermostat Loses Power

If your RV’s thermostat won’t turn on, it’s possible that the unit has lost power. This is actually a relatively common issue and may indicate that the unit has lost its connection to the electrical circuit. This generally means that the wiring is loose or has disconnected during travel. Check first at the back of the thermostat (the easiest spot), and then trace the wiring to its endpoint(s)… either the air conditioner or furnace (depending on your RV’s configuration).

Temperature Doesn’t Change

Another indication of a faulty thermostat is if you adjust the settings and there’s no corresponding change in temperature. If the thermostat can’t identify the room temperature, then the unit can’t operate properly. This could indicate a failure of either the temperature control mechanism (mechanical or digital) or the temperature sensing capability (sometimes within the thermostat itself, other times from a “remote” sensor mounted elsewhere in the “zone” being controlled).

Battery Needs Replacing

Some (but not all) thermostats use a battery. If your thermostat is unresponsive (and you’re sure the electrical system is fine), then this may indicate that the internal battery is dying. That’s an easy fix – just replace the battery. But if you replace the battery and the thermostat still doesn’t function, then the thermostat likely needs to be replaced… or one of the other potential failure points listed here is actually the cause.

Dim or Dead Display

If you have a digital thermostat with an LCD display and you notice a dim or missing display, this could also be an indication that your RV thermostat is on its last legs.

The Furnace or AC Runs Continuously and Won’t Switch Off

If your RV furnace or AC runs continuously, this may be a sign that your RV thermostat needs to be replaced.

If your RV furnace or air conditioner is constantly running and doesn’t turn off (even when you press the power button), it’s possible that the wiring is bad or the thermostat isn’t properly calibrated.

Another indication that your thermostat may require recalibration is if you turn up the thermostat and the temperature in the room doesn’t rise or cool properly.

However, this could also be an indication that the unit needs to be replaced.

The Temperature Setting Doesn’t Match the RV Temperature

If the reading on your RV thermostat doesn’t match the inside temperature, that may be an indication that it’s time to replace it. But, with some thermostats (particularly digital or smart RV thermostats), you can adjust a setting for how far above/below the set point it should allow the room temperature to swing. You may need to change this setting to keep it closer to the set point.

Replacement & Upgrade RV Thermostats

The following are several of the top choices for RV thermostats on the market today.

Basic Dometic RV Thermostat – Analog, Single-Zone

This is a basic analog RV thermostat found in millions of RVs on the road. It has manual controls, and the temperature adjustments are made using the slider on the right-hand side of the unit. This replacement RV analog thermostat by Dometic requires that the analog control board for this thermostat be already present. Please note that this thermostat is not compatible with heat pumps or heat strips.

Dometic 3106995.032 Analog Thermostat, Cool/Furnace

• Controls heating and cooling systems from one convenient location
• Controls include Cool/Off/Furnace, Fan On/Auto, and Hi/Low

Buy on Amazon Price & availability info updated 2026-02-03 at 16:29.

Basic Coleman RV Thermostat – Analog, Single-Zone

This is another basic analog RV thermostat with manual controls. This Coleman Mach RV thermostat is simple to install and use. It allows you to manually control your air conditioner, heat pump, gas/hydronic/electric strip heating, and fans from one convenient wall thermostat. As with the previous analog unit, the temperature settings on the Coleman Mach are adjusted using the slider switch. The air temperature sensor activates heating or cooling as needed to maintain your desired temperatures inside your RV.

This unit also features manual switches that allow you to set cooling, heating, and fan speed settings individually.

Coleman Rv Camper mach Manual Thermostat

• Coleman
• Heat/Cool

Buy on Amazon Price & availability info updated 2026-02-11 at 00:22.

Dometic Comfort Control 2 – Digital, Multi-Zone

Dometic’s DuoTherm Comfort Control 2 is a digital RV thermostat with a large, digital blue backlit display that is easy to read. Settings are adjusted with 12 click-response buttons that control up to four zones independently. A built-in sensor can monitor ambient temperature to control and manage your RV furnace, AC, heat pump, heat strip, or RV hydronic heating system.

This unit offers built-in error codes, an internal memory (to retain settings even in the event of loss of power), and the unit displays both actual and set temperatures.

Dometic 3314082.000 3312024.000 Duo Therm Comfort Control 2 CCC2 Black

• Built-in sensor accurate temperature control and management
• Large SMX blue light display is bright and easy-to-read, even in the dark

Buy on Amazon Price & availability info updated 2026-02-11 at 00:22.

MicroAir EasyTouch – Smart Thermostat/RV Wireless Thermostat

The MicroAir EasyTouch Smart RV thermostat is a WiFi-enabled, Bluetooth-capable programmable wall thermostat that is available as an upgrade to existing RV thermostats (including single or multi-zone systems). This unit’s color touchscreen can be operated directly, or you can connect to it using a smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth (when you’re onboard and/or within Bluetooth range) or over the internet wherever cell service or WiFi is available (just be aware that your RV must also have it’s own WiFi network for the thermostat to connect to, and a connection to the internet, for remote access to work). The app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

The MicroAir EasyTouch is available in several models, each designed to replace thermostats manufactured by Dometic, Coleman, Furrion, Atwood, and GE. You can view the list of compatible RV thermostats on Micro-Air’s website. All models are capable of controlling any HVAC devices in your system, including air conditioners, heat pumps/heat strips, and furnaces (both standard propane versions and hydronic models).

The MicroAir EasyTouch is easy to install. You can learn much more about it in our full blog post on the MicroAir Each Touch, and in our corresponding YouTube video:

Micro-Air is offering RVgeeks’ viewers a discount on the EasyTouch RV thermostat. Simply use the discount code listed below when checking out on Micro-Air’s website:

Micro-Air EasyTouch RV Thermostat $15 Discount

Looking to add some "smart home" features to your RV? How about a new color touchscreen, programmable thermostat? Even better, how about one that allows you to control it (even remotely) using a smartphone or tablet? That's what the Micro-Air Easy...Show More

Looking to add some "smart home" features to your RV? How about a new color touchscreen, programmable thermostat? Even better, how about one that allows you to control it (even remotely) using a smartphone or tablet? That's what the Micro-Air Easy Touch RV thermostat does.

Watch our EasyTouch video

Save $15 on each EasyTouch RV Thermostat when you buy direct from Micro-Air.

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ETRVGEEKS

Go to the deal

And if you want to be able to run two air conditioners (or heat pumps) when plugged into 30-amp shore power, or if you have a smaller portable generator you’d like to be able to use to run a single air conditioner or heat pump, be sure to check out our video showing how to install the Micro-Air EasyStart soft start modules. They significantly reduce the start-up amperage required to get your A/C running.

The version for RVs is now called the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze, and the version that includes Bluetooth makes it possible to diagnose any issues without having to go onto the roof! And you can save $ on all of these products with our coupon:

Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze $25 Discount

Run your RV's air conditioner from a small, portable generator OR run two A/C units on a 30-amp connection. By reducing the start-up current needed to get your A/C's compressor running, the EasyStart Breeze keeps you cool!

Show More

Run your RV's air conditioner from a small, portable generator OR run two A/C units on a 30-amp connection. By reducing the start-up current needed to get your A/C's compressor running, the EasyStart Breeze keeps you cool!

Watch our EasyStart installation video

Get $25 off each Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze you buy factory direct using the code listed here.

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RVGEEKS

Go to the deal

For anyone interested in more information on the MicroAir EasyStart, you can check out our post on that topic as well.

NOTE: If you want to order both an EasyStart and an EasyTouch for your RV, you have to place separate orders to receive the discounts (it’s a limitation of Micro-Air’s e-commerce system). Orders placed one after another, shipping to the same address, will be boxed together and will NOT incur an additional shipping cost.

Have You Upgraded or Replaced The Thermostat in Your RV?

So, tell us – have you upgraded or replaced your RV thermostat? Which thermostat did you choose, and how’s it working for you? Let us know in the comments!

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